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The EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker is the next generation of one-lung ventilation products designed to enhance patient outcomes during selective procedures.

The availability of devices to achieve minimally invasive thoracic surgery has increased the need to achieve one-lung ventilation. Double-lumen endobronchial tubes have long been the most popular devices to allow for lung-isolation1, but these devices have many drawbacks, including the increased risk for airway trauma when compared to single-lumen endotracheal tubes,2 the inability to insert in the event of a difficult airway, challenges in proper sizing and the need to disrupt the airway post-operatively even when additional ventilator support is needed.

An alternative to double-lumen endobronchial tubes are bronchial blockers, which can overcome many of these drawbacks. However, classic single-cuff bronchial blockers take more time to place, the time needed for full lung collapse is longer, and the potential for dislodgement is greater.3 These drawbacks have limited the acceptance of single-cuff endobronchial blockers.

Innovative The EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker was developed by an anesthesiologist for use by anesthesiologists to provide an improved device for lung isolation. The EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker has a unique Y-shaped distal end that mirrors the bifurcation of the trachea.

Intuitive The unique bifurcated distal end of the EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker allows for the intuitive placement of the cuffs in the right or left bronchus. Once the EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker is advanced through the distal end of a single-lumen endotracheal tube, the bifurcated cuffs separate and are naturally directed into the left and right main stem bronchi.

Secure The EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker is securely placed at the carina without the need for navigation of the cuff into either of the bronchi.4 With the EZ-Blocker™ Endobronchial Blocker, cuff inflation can be performed just before lung isolation, which minimizes the need to manipulate the catheter after placement and reduces the potential for the cuffs to become dislodged.